Amaranth stem tissue profile

The specimen is a free-hand section of Amaranth- a leafy vegetable called Thotakura regionally. All the specimens have been stained with crystal violet. Observe a single layered cell of the epidermis which has ovoid shape or sometimes irregular shape. A thin layer of cuticle is also evident over the epidermis. Below the epidermis is a 4 to 5 layered collenchymatous hypodermis- a tissue which provides flexibility to the stem. These cells are 4-sided and have very thick secondary cell walls.

Amaranth Stem-transverse section-epidermis & hypodermis

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 675x (45 X 15).

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 675x (45 X 15).

Following the collenchymatous hypodermis is a 3 – 4 layered tissue of parenchyma. These cells are large, more in length than width. These cells are almost unstained, indicating the presence of large Vacuoles. They too are ovoid. Beneath the parenchyma are layers of Cambium cells, thus indicating the occurrence of secondary growth in this stem. Beneath the cambium occurs a patch of polyhedral cells stained deep purple by the crystal violet. This is the conjunctive tissue.

Amaranth Stem-transverse section-primordial vascular bundles

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 675x (45 X 15).

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 675x (45 X 15).

Observe the presence of secondary xylem vessels in the conjunctive tissue, which have arisen from the secondary cambium as mentioned before. These xylem vessels are hollow water channels.

Amaranth Stem-transverse section-vascular bundle

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 675x (45 X 15).

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 675x (45 X 15).

The specimen is the general ground plan of tissue system in the amaranth stem. Observe the pith cells present inward to the cambium. This is the main bulk or packing tissue. The cells are all of different sizes, some twice as the diameter of the other. They have an irregular wavy outline. They are largly filled with water.

Amaranth Stem-transverse section-Gross anatomy and Pith cells

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 150x (10 X 15).

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 675x (45 X 15).

Embedded in the pith are the primary vascular bundles which have originated from the primary cambium. Observe the primary phloem, cambium and the primary xylem vessels.

Amaranth Stem-transverse section-gross anatomy & hypodermis.

FRONTECH JIL-2220. 0.7MP, 150x (10 X 15).

OLYMPUS FE330e. 8.0MP, 450x (45 X 10WF).

The right specimen is a transverse section of amaranth stem. The specimen is not stained. Observe the epidermis and the overlying cuticle. Observe the hypodermis is constituted by angular collenchyma. Each of these cells are irregular polygons having hexagonal perimeters in 2-dimensions. Not all cells have the same cellular volume.